A Baltimore program wants kids to get dirty to make something beautiful.

The program is all part of an effort to strengthen ties within the community. But, organizers explain there are other benefits for the students involved.

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The Parks & People Foundation's BRANCHES (Building Resources and Nurturing Community Health and Environmental Stewardship) program teaches students about landscaping and resource management. The program offers youth real-life lessons and real-life working experience and brings the children together.

"After we work, we build more friendships, so that's the best thing to do," Darrian Hernandez with the BRANCHES Team of Greater Mondawmin.

Cameron Potts, 16, worked with the program over the summer and drew inspiration from the devastation that ravaged the city during the riots in April.

"It was very devastating to see," Potts said. "Just to look at it and see everything that really happened, I was saying 'You know this has to change. It has to stop.'"

So, Pots got involved and immersed himself in BRANCHES' mission.

"These are the types of programs that the city kids need," said Nicole McDaniels, BRANCHES program director.

McDaniels said the goal is to keep children busy with the right activities.

"The statistics are out there," she said. "It says between that between 4 and 6 (p.m.)is a very high time for youth who don't have anything to do."

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, juvenile violence peaks in the afterschool hours.

"We need to reach out and make sure that our young people have meaningful things to do after school and during the summer," Lisa Schroeder, president and CEO of Parks & People, said.

For Potts, it's a matter of principle.

"We do what we have to do in our home. Let's do that out here. It's all a respect factor," Potts said.

With the beginning of the school year coming up for Baltimore City schools, McDaniels said they're looking for candidates.